New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon made headlines for the wrong reasons Wednesday, blowing a sarcastic kiss to booing Yankees fans after exiting a game against the Angels in the bottom of the fifth inning. New York went on to lose 7-3 to complete a series sweep on the West Coast.
“I guess it was the best reaction I could give, but better not to give a reaction I guess,” Rodon told reporters after the game. “Just one of those things I was frustrated and better to blow a kiss or not do anything at all. It was just a frustrating outing, that’s for sure. And I showed it there in the second early.
“I didn’t really play mind to what exactly was said. A fan was angry — as they should be. I’m angry too, I was just angry with myself and blew a kiss, unfortunately.”
In 4 1/3 innings, Rodon allowed six runs on four hits and five walks. His ERA ballooned to 7.36 after the game, though his first two starts for the Yankees earlier this month were not much better. He signed with the team during the offseason in a six-year, $162 million deal.
Between Rodon’s antics with fans and the sweep to the Angels, now above .500 for the first time since May, the Yankees have descended to new depths in a frustrating 2023 season. New York is now 50-47 on the season, treading water while sinking to the very bottom of the AL East.
“We stink right now. We acknowledge that,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after the game. He went on to tell reporters, “We’re not in a good place as a team right now.”
The Yankees’ prospects fell precipitously when Aaron Judge was forced to miss time with a toe injury; he has not appeared in a game since early June. The team has played poorly since, and though returns like Rodon’s were supposed to lift the team back to respectability, it seems that the disappointments have only compounded.
